Paste's 20 Best Summer Songs of 2013

As the end of August draws closer, we’re left with the dreadful realization that another summer is winding to a close. And while our hottest months of the year might have been defined by pools, cookouts and the great outdoors for some, many made life-long memories to new songs released this summer.

As we approach our last weekends of summer, we’ve created a playlist to help you relive (or create) some of those memories. Take a listen to the tracks below, and let us know your own favorite summer songs in the comments section.

20. Telekinesis, “Power Lines”
A true kick-off song for any summer 2013 playlist, “Power Lines” leads you in kindly enough with a lo-fi acoustic guitar only to shift into a traditional blues-schooled rocker. Once Michael Lerner’s drums kick in, they mark a perfect start to any cookout, road trip or pool party you might have to offer.

19. Superchunk, “Me & You & Jackie Mittoo”
A summer release date for any Superchunk album is a good sign. And although this cut might have a few less sunny lines like “I hate music / what is it worth,” it carries all of the must-haves for a good summer rock jam—cranked guitars, a driving rhythm and hooks galore.

17. Deerhunter, “Pensacola”
Pensacola: the name of an ideal vacation spot or the title of a transistor-toned single from Deerhunter. The latter is a hot cut from the band’s excellent Monomania that will take you back to blasting jangly rock tunes in your folks’ basement on summer break.

16. Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, “Let’s Get High”
It’s an anthem for sure, but Alex Ebert’s talking about “love” here, guys—if you’re into that sort of thing in the hottest months of the year.

14. Jay Z (feat. Beyoncé) “Part II (On the Run)
Jay Z’s Magna Carta…Holy Grail was generally considered a disappointment, but “Part II (On the Run)” gets a huge helping hand from Beyoncé’s hooks, which give you a good reason to get the hell out of town whenever you like.

13. Disclosure, “Latch”
Nodding to the ‘80s with no shame, this synth-powered cut’s undeniable choruses have many claiming Disclosure just made the best dance record of the year.

12. Kanye West, “I Am a God”
Because what makes you feel younger and more alive than a reminder that you’re invincible? Or that a damn croissant is like, the best way to kick off a sunny morning?

11. Portugal. the Man, “Purple Yellow Red and Blue”
Danger Mouse turned the knobs behind the inescapable tones of summers past on The Black Keys’ Brothers, so it’s no surprise that his effort with Portugal. the Man yielded similar results in this percussive jam.